what is a ankle brachial index?

Answer 1

That is basically the method of calculating the blood pressure in your legs.

It's calculated by taking the pressure in your arms and your legs and subtracting the two numbers.

If the pressure in your legs is abnormal, it can indicate P.A.D.=Peripheral Artery Disease. That's the equivalent to heart disease, but affecting your leg vessels. If you have PAD, chances are you also, or will have, Coronary Artery Disease.

Every GP should do an Ankle Brachial Index every couple of years, to ensure any developing problem can be caught and treated early.